‘All brides are beautiful’

Dear Annie:

Our daughter is getting married in July. We decided to give her a lump sum for the wedding, and she created a budget to handle all aspects of the event.

Unfortunately, she selected a wedding gown based on the price, and it doesn’t flatter her figure.

My wife and I would like to offer to purchase a more attractive gown, but we don’t know how to approach the subject. Any suggestions? North Carolina Dear North Carolina:

Are you certain your daughter selected this design solely because of the price? Your financial assistance might only serve to purchase an equally unflattering gown in a more expensive fabric. Keep in mind that alterations can work wonders, and Mom could enlist the help of the seamstress to ascertain whether your daughter is unhappy with her gown.

If so, it’s perfectly fine to say you want her to have something closer to the dress of her dreams. Otherwise, please repeat the old saying that “all brides are beautiful.”